I feel Mary Lou and I are somewhat of a paradox. We share common values to the core, yet we seem to look at the world from opposite points of view. We often will argue about something until someone points out that we are saying the same thing in different ways. I feel Mary Lou compliments me in a good way. Some of her strongest qualities are ones that I seem to be lacking in some way. Together, we make a good team.
Mary Lou is the fixer. When something isn’t going well, Mary Lou wants to fix it. If you get a cut, Mary Lou is there with a bandaid. If you are missing something, Mary Lou will find it. If leaves are blown onto our walkway, Mary Lou will sweep them away. Whenever she sees that something isn’t right, she wants to put it right. It is just built into her. She doesn’t even realize that she is doing this. It took me awhile to realize this basic personality trait of hers because it is so natural. Obviously, this can be very helpful. It also is related to another positive trait she has.
Whenever you have lost something, Mary Lou most likely will be able to find it. It can be frustrating when you have looked for something all morning while she has been away. She comes home and finds the missing item within a few moments. It is a skill I do not possess.
Mary Lou has a strong spirit and will. She is very strong-willed when she puts her mind to it. Sometimes this comes across as being stubborn, which is true, but it is basically that she is very determined and has a strong sense of stick-to-it-ness. When she puts her mind to it, she can accomplish anything.
Mary Lou also has a strong sense of family. She will do anything for her children. While we were raising our family, she was the one who had the main interactions with the children, as I worked long hours. She did something right, because we have a large loving family that is very supportive of each other.
Mary Lou is also a very good friend. Once she has developed a friendship, she will do anything to help her friend. She will sacrifice her own well-being in order to help a friend in need. This is mostly a good thing, but sometimes she is taken advantage of by a “friend” who doesn’t understand that friendship is a two-way street.
It is nice to have a partner who can make up for some of my weaker points. It isn’t so pleasant when it points out that you have these weaker qualities. I am lucky to have someone in my corner who can fix things and put them right, even when I don’t realize that they need fixing.
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